Uryu District, Administrative district in northern Hokkaido, Japan
Uryu District is an administrative division in northern Hokkaido comprising five towns: Moseushi, Chippubetsu, Uryu, Numata, and Horokanai. These communities span a large area with rural landscapes, agricultural land, and dense forests.
The area was established as an administrative district in 1879 during the Meiji Restoration, marking a new phase in Hokkaido's organized development. This creation was part of broader efforts to systematically settle and administer the northern island.
Towns throughout the district maintain local craft traditions and regional cuisine that reflect life in northern Hokkaido. You can see these practices in small shops and at community gatherings.
The area is divided across two subprefectures: Horokanai belongs to Kamikawa, while the other towns are under Sorachi. This division may matter when seeking services or local information during your visit.
The name comes from the Ainu language, with one interpretation meaning "cormorant river" and reflecting the historical connection to the indigenous people. This linguistic origin shows how Hokkaido's geography was shaped by Ainu naming traditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
